Gelson’s to Debut Four New Stellar Wine Offerings by Julien Fayard

November 26, 2020 by evebushman

ENCINO, Calif./PRNewswire/ — With the Holidays around the corner, Gelson’s is uncorking four new bottlings in its exclusive branded collection of Gelson’s Wines, all produced through its ongoing collaboration with one of their winemakers, Julien Fayard who was named 2016 “Winemaker of the Year” by Wine Spectrum. The four stellar wines will be available at all 27 Gelson’s locations across the Southland.

Photo credit: Jimmy Hayes, Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

“We feel very honored to work with Julien again. He is a renowned wine maker with an outstanding reputation from his early work with Lafite Rothschild and Smith Haut Lafitte in his native France, to the last dozen years earning respect across Napa Valley,” said John Bagan, Chief Merchandising Officer for Gelson’s. “We are constantly seeking out the best products from the best producers, and are excited that Gelson’s will continue to make superior quality wines from Julien available exclusively to thousands of our wine-loving Customers across Southern California.”

The new wines include:

Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville 2018

Created exclusively for Gelson’s by Julien Fayard, this splendid single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon boasts classic Bordeaux style. It is traditionally fermented (temperature-controlled in a stainless-steel tank) and aged for 22 months in new French oak barrels. Dark ruby in color, the wine is full-bodied and complex. Enticing aromas of ripe blueberry and blackberry lead to a robust blackberry palate with hints of cedar and spices balanced by silky tannins. The finish is long, smooth, and delicious.

Reserve Cabernet Franc Oakville 2018

The grapes in this impressive single-vineyard Cabernet Franc are traditionally fermented (temperature-controlled in a stainless-steel tank) and aged for 22 months in new French oak barrels, yielding a vibrant ruby color and tempting aromas of ripe cherry and spices. In addition to plush flavors of blueberry, blackberry, sweet red cherry, and cedar, the elegantly layered palate offers full body, silky tannins, and satisfying depth.

Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Rutherford 2019

The grapes in this Sauvignon Blanc are whole-cluster pressed and aged in stainless-steel barrels, resulting in a wine that’s light blonde in color, boasting creamy texture and an amazing mouthfeel with brisk acidity. Accents of pear and apricot flavors flow into a refreshing, refined finish.

Red Cuvée Napa Valley 2018

This delectable Red Cuvée, expertly blends Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah for a wine of bold yet measured character. The grapes are traditionally fermented (temperature-controlled in a stainless-steel tank) and aged for 22 months in French oak barrels. Pleasing aromas of ripe cherry, blackberry, and subtle flint accompany a richly textured, full-bodied palate with silky tannins. Dark fruit and earthy notes define the exquisite taste.

Gelson’s debuted its first branded collection of fine wines three years ago with four Santa Barbara reds (Pinot Noir, Grenache, Syrah, Sangiovese) and one white (Chardonnay), created exclusively for Gelson’s by local winemaker and Wine Spectator Grand Award winner Doug Margerum.

About Gelson’s

Gelson’s currently operates 27 full-service specialty grocery stores in Southern California. Each Gelson’s Market features the full amenities of a traditional supermarket, with the local flavor of a neighborhood market. Their high standards – for quality, value and freshness; unsurpassed service; and attention to detail – define the ultimate grocery shopping experience. With over 65 years’ experience, Gelson’s in-house experts know Southern California’s lifestyle and are driven to find only the best foods and exclusive values for their customers. Gelson’s is particularly known for flavorful, hand-selected produce, the best and freshest cuts of meat and seafood, and Chef-prepared signature recipes. This experience is rounded out by professionally designed floral arrangements, and a convenient selection of the highest quality grocery items. Find out why Life Tastes Better Here® at https://gelsons.com.

STARS of Cabernet 2019? Yes! We did it again!

November 22, 2019 by evebushman

How many times have we covered STARS of Cabernet? A bunch. But why do we cover the same event year after year? Because year after year there are ALWAYS new wineries to discover, new vintages from old favorites and a bunch of wine-loving friends that we’ve made over the years that we get to see again. (If you want to cut to the chase just for photos go here.)

So what was new for us this year from the incredible wine list below? Well, Ian Blackburn of WineLA.com always does a tremendous job curating wineries for us, so it’s very hard to narrow it down! I have put the wineries in bold that we were able to visit – we can’t do it all – and have noted any special wines we want you to look for:

The 2019 STARS of Cabernet Tasting List

Addendum, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, USA, 2015
Addendum, Cabernet Sauvignon, Stagecoach Vineyard, Atlas Peak, USA, 2015
Addendum, Cabernet Sauvignon, Skellenger Lane, Rutherford, USA, 2015
Alejandro Bulgheroni, Cabernet Sauvignon, Lithology Napa Valley, Napa Valley, USA, 2015 – we also had three 2016 single vineyard wines that were outstanding. This is a winery I will be looking for.
Allegretto Wines, Trio, Allegretto Vineyard, Paso Robles, 2017
Allegretto Wines, Malbec, Cira Vineyard, Paso Robles, 2015
Allegretto Wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, Allegretto Vineyard, Paso Robles, 2016
Allegretto Wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, Willow Creek, Paso Robles, 2015 – and thanks to Quin Cody for taking such good care of us.
Almaviva 2016 – During our tasting they were notified that this 2016 was a Wine Spectator Top Ten Wine of the Year, and guess what? Ran out before we could taste it, betting it’s sold out now as well!
Almaviva 2017 – a Chilean blend.
AXR – TBA
Barnett Vineyards Spring Mountain Cabernet, Spring Mountain District, USA, 2017
Barnett Vineyards Rattlesnake Cabernet, Spring Mountain District, USA, 2017
BV Tapestry Red Blend, Napa Valley, USA 2016
BV Cabernet Sauvignon Georges de Latour, Rutherford, CA USA 2016
BV Sauvignon Blanc, Rutherford, Napa 2018
Bernardus, Marinus Estate, Carmel Valley, 2010
Bernardus, Marinus Estate, Carmel Valley, 2011
Bernardus, Marinus Estate, Carmel Valley, 2013
Bernardus Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, Carmel Valley, 2017
Chappellet Signature Cabernet, Napa 2017
Chappellet Mountain Cuvee, Bordeaux Blend, Napa/Sonoma 2017
Chappellet Grower Collection Chardonnay, Calesa Vineyard, Petaluma Gap, 2017
Chateau Montelena, Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, 2015; Calistoga, USA – they also served a 2005 Cab that was amazing.
Chateau Montelena, Chardonnay, 2016 Napa Valley, USA
Clark Claudon – TBA
Crown Point, Estate Selection Bordeaux Blend, Happy Canyon, USA, 2014
Crown Point, Estate Selection Bordeaux Blend, Happy Canyon, USA, 2015
Crown Point, Cabernet Sauvignon, Happy Canyon, USA, 2016
Dana Estates – VIP 6 PM ONLY
Davis Estates – TBA
Dominus Estate – VIP 6 PM ONLY
Duhig Wine, 2016 Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville Napa Valley – this was a nice discovery for us. The Cab was slightly chilled and had a lovely mouthfeel, and the two sisters working the table were delightful.
Ehlers Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 2016
Ehlers Estate Cabernet Franc, 2016
Ehlers Estate Portrait (Bordeaux Blend)
Ehlers Estate 1886, 2015
Napa Cabernet, 2016
Rutherford Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2016
Winston Hill, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2014
Carneros Chardonnay
Arrowood Wines, Sonoma Estates Cabernet Sauvignon, 2016
Stonestreet Estate Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, 2016
Frank Family Vineyards 2016 Rutherford Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Freemark Abbey, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2016
Hawk & Horse Vineyards – 2014 Petit Verdot, Red Hills, Lake County – always nice to taste with Hawk & Horse.
Hertelendy Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2015
Hertelendy Vineyards Signature Mtn Blend, Napa Valley, 2015- we missed seeing Ralph Herterlendy at the event this year but his wines were still amazing without him.
Hertelendy Vineyards Chardonnay, Ritchie Vineyard, Russian River Valley, 2015
J. Bookwalter, Cabernet Sauvignon, Volume 6 Dionysus Vineyard, Columbia Valley Washington, USA 2016
J. Bookwalter, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chapter 9 Conner-Lee Vineyard, Columbia Valley Washington, USA 2016 – new winery for us, good wines.
Jack Wines – TBA
Joseph Phelps Chardonnay, Freestone Vineyards, 2017
Joseph Phelps Pinot Noir, Freestone Vineyards, 2017
Joseph Phelps Insignia, Napa Valley, 2016
Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2016 – we’re club members, so it was so cool to see them at this event!
Gelson’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Coombsville, Napa Valley
Marciano Estate – TBA
Michel Rolland – TBA
Moët Hennessey presents – all unfiltered wines, I enjoyed all the 2015 Newton Estate: Spring Mtn, Yountville, Mt. Veeder
Monteverro – TBA
Moraga White (SB) Bel Air, CA, 2017
Moraga Red (Bordeaux Blend) Bel Air, CA, 2015
Napanook – TBA
Palmaz Cabernet 2016
Palmaz Cabernet 2015
Palmaz Chardonnay “Amalia” 2017
Prime Solum, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, USA, 2015
Prime Solum, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, USA, 2014
Prime Solum, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, USA, 2011
Prime Solum Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon, Brokenrock Vineyard, Napa Valley, 2018 – I had written about this winery for Napa Valley Life Magazine so it was a treat to see them and taste all of their yummy wines!
Relic Wines – TBA
Rocca, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot Blend, “Vespera” Grigsby/Collinetta, Yountville/Coombsville, USA, 2014
Rocca, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grigsby, Yountville, USA, 2014
Rocca, Cabernet Sauvignon, Collinetta, Coombsville, USA, 2013 –so cool to find Rocca at this event! Had visited them a few years back, and just like then I loved all of their wines.
Sequoia Grove Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2016
Seven Stones Winery – TBA
ST. FRANCIS WINERY & VINEYARDS, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County, 2016
Teachworth Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Diamond Mountain District, 2016
Teachworth Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, Manzanita Hill Vineyard, Diamond Mountain District, 2012
Teachworth Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rattlesnake Ridge Vineyard, Diamond Mountain District, 2012
T. Berkley Wines, Cabernet Franc, Leaning Oak Vineyard, Los Carneros, Napa, 2016 –This may have been my favorite wine at the tasting. I love Cab Franc and the winemaker told me that Cab Franc was the reason he became a winemaker. Same winemaker for both Teachworth and T.Berkley: Taylor Berkley Boydstun.
The Debate – TBA
The Unfiltered Collection, winemaker is Jean Hoefliger formerly of Alpha Omega, all native yeast: 2015 Clark Claudon “Eternity” Cabernet Sauvignon, V. Vineyards 2015 “Audace” Cabernet Sauvignon, 2016 “The Debate” Cabernet Sauvignon.
Trujillo Cabernet Napa Valley 2016
Trujillo Gary Morisoli Single Vineyard Designate Cabernet Rutherford 2016
Trujillo Henry Brothers Single Vineyard Designate Cabernet Howell Mtn. 2016
Two Old Dogs – TBA
V. Vineyards – TBA
Yount Ridge Cellars – TBA
ZD Wines, 59% Pinot Noir 41% Chardonnay, Anniversary Reserve Cuvee Sparkling, Napa Valley AVA, USA
ZD Wines, Chardonnay, California Chardonnay, California Appellation, USA, 2017
ZD Wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley AVA, USA, 2016
ZD Wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley AVA, USA, 2010

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Arrow and Branch announces New Tasting Experiences

August 16, 2018 by evebushman

NAPA, Calif. (PRWEB) – Arrow&Branch announces three new tasting experiences offered exclusively at the Wheeler Farms Winery in St. Helena

These three new experiences, detailed below, are exclusively offered at one of Napa’s newest state-of-the-art wineries, Wheeler Farms. Included in the experiences are: a complete tour of the grounds, winery, and winemaking facility as well as an opportunity to visit the properties chickens, bees, orchard, and bountiful planters that are filled with seasonal vegetables and herbs.

The newest additions to the Arrow&Branch tasting experiences at Wheeler Farms will now feature small bites made by the winery’s chef included in the fee. These pairings will complement each wine experience and feature produce grown right on the property. Current seasonal dishes include a Mushroom Duxelle, Parmesan Crisps, Salted Organic Almonds, Cheddar Biscuits drizzled with local honey, and Gougeres.

Current Release Experience

The first of our three experiences allows one to taste through our four newest released wines: the 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon “Black Label,” 2014 Red Wine “Right Bank Blend,” and 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon “Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard.”

Beckstoffer “Dr. Crane Vineyard” Experience

Our second experience allows for an in depth vertical tasting of wine from one of Napa Valley’s more esteemed and historical vineyards. Often referred to as the La Mission Haut Brion of Napa, this vineyard was originally planted in 1858 and consists of gravelly Cortina and Bale loam soils. The vineyard’s climate is known as one of the warmest in Napa Valley which produces a beautiful, dark, luscious fruit flavor profile.

Each taster will experience Arrow&Branch 2012, 2013, and 2014 wines coming exclusively from the Beckstoffer “Dr. Crane Vineyard”

“Right Bank” Experience

This experience offers an opportunity to enjoy a vertical tasting of Arrow&Branch’s flagship wines. The primary grape source is from our meticulously farmed Cabernet Franc Estate Vineyard in Coombsville. The unique microclimate is unlike any other in the Napa Valley; where the morning fog burns off quickly but cool breezes sweep through the vineyard on summer afternoons. This allows the grapes more time to ripen and encourages flavor and character development in the grapes. The wine is then blended with Merlot from the Stagecoach Vineyard which also provides a unique flavor profile thanks to its elevation and red, volcanic soil. The fruit is described as ripe, bold, and extremely concentrated which make it perfect for ultra-premium wines. The two unique grape sources create a “Right Bank” Cheval style wine.

Each taster will experience Arrow&Branch “Right Bank Blend” 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 wines.

This is a great opportunity to taste the wines of Arrow&Branch at its home in St. Helena. Tasting fees for each experience are $125/person. For more information or to book a tour, visit our website http://www.arrowandbranch.com or contact Holly Horton – Director of Hospitality at 925-519-1214 / wine(at)arrowandbranch(dot)com

More than 300 Wine Labels Now Approved to Wear Coombsville AVA

December 31, 2015 by evebushman

Napa Valleys Newest Sub-AVA Gains Quick Support According to Federal Records

(Napa, Calif) If an AVAs presence on wine labels is any indication (and it is), winemakers and wineries have fully embraced the new Coombsville growing region in southern Napa Valley. Since its approval as the newest Napa Valley sub-AVA in December 2011, 300 wine labels have won Federal approval to use Coombsville as their appellation of origin, according to Certificate of Label Approval (COLA) records.

Located in the, cooler, southeast part of the Napa Valley, adjacent to the town of Napa, Coombsville has long been the silent source of grapes for some of Napa Valleys most quality conscious wineries. Since the region was granted AVA status, however, vintners inside and outside of the Coombsville region have begun touting Coombsville on their labels at an impressive pace.

In Napa Valley its a marketing and branding question as to whether to put a sub-AVA like Coombsville, Oakville or Stags Leap District on your label since its not required, noted Coombsville Vintners and Growers President Jimmy Kawalek. The fact that so many wineries have chosen to use Coombsville on their labels as the official sub-AVA so soon after Federal approval is an endorsement of the region and is a good indication they believe Coombsville communicates quality.

Coombsville On A Wine Label Means Quality

All wine labels, imported or domestic, must apply for and obtain approval from the federal government before being placed on the bottle. Among the many pieces of information that must be included in an application to use a label is the appellation (or AVA) of record. The AVA identified on the application and the label indicates where at least 85% of the grapes used to make the wine were grown.

Weve been waiting years to taut Coombsville on Silverado Vineyards labels having long farmed in the region and witnessed the remarkable quality of fruit the region yields, said Russ Weis, General Manager of Silverado Vineyards. Its no surprise to us and others with intimate familiarity with Coombsville that vintners would have fully embraced the opportunity to put Coombsville on their labels. It means quality.

The Coombsville AVA encompasses 11,075 acres, 1,400 of which are planted to grapes. Members of the Coombsville Vintners and Growers association represent wineries and growers located within the AVA, as well as wineries outside the AVA, who use Coombsville-grown grapes in their winemaking. For more information see www.coombsvillenapa.org.